Venus Williams ‘Proud’ of Her Efforts After Losing Historic Australian Open Thriller Against Olga Danilovic: “I Have to Relearn”
Former World No.1 Venus Williams has now lost five consecutive first-round singles matches.
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Venus Williams, Olga Danilovic (Image via X/The Tennis Letter, Ken McKinnon)
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Age is just a number? Venus Williams‘ first-round Australian Open match probably proves it. The seven-time Grand Slam champion scripted history when she walked onto the John Cain Arena on Sunday (January 18), in what was also her first appearance in the event since 2021.
Up against her was Serbia’s Olga Danilovic, who spoiled Williams’ attempt to become the oldest woman to win a main draw singles match at the Australian Open. The 45-year-old has already become the oldest woman to appear in a main draw match in the first Major of the season.
After winning the first set through the tie-breaker, Williams faltered in the second set as Danilovic somehow saved herself from the brink of elimination, eventually winning with a 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 scoreline after two hours and 17 minutes. It was the pair’s first head-to-head clash. In spite of the defeat, Williams remained positive.
Yeah, at 4-Love I felt good. Also, it’s the biggest lead I’ve had since I’ve been back (smiling). In a lot of ways, I’m having to relearn how to do things again, if that makes any sense. I’m really proud of my effort today because I’m playing better with each match, getting to the places that I want to get to. Right now, I’m just going to have to keep going forward and working on myself and working to control my errors.
Venus Williams said at the press conference
The Australian Open and the French Open are the only two Slams where Williams has yet to win a singles title. Twice she made the finals in Melbourne (2003 and 2017), losing both times to her sister and 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams.
Those are things, too, that come with playing extra matches, like getting your feet in the exact right position, you know, choosing the right shots, all of those things that I’m still learning. It’s kind of weird, but it’s super exciting to have played that well and to get myself in that position and come very close.
Venus Williams added
Williams made her Grand Slam comeback at the US Open last year, where, in singles, she suffered a three-set defeat at the hands of Karolina Muchova in the first round. The five-time Wimbledon singles champion returned to competition a month before at the Citi Open and went on to feature at the Cincinnati Open as well. In Washington, Williams registered a win over Peyton Stearns in her opening round before falling to Magdalena Frech in the following match.
Venus Williams will play doubles with Ekaterina Alexandrova
Although Venus Williams‘ singles run is over in the Major Down Under, she is competing in doubles alongside Ekaterina Alexandrova. The pair will commence their campaign against Elsa Jacquemot and Emiliana Arango on January 20.
I actually played against her in the US Open. She was super impressive. We played, I think it was in the third round. She put up an amazing fight. It will be nice this time to be on the same side of the court.
Venus Williams said at the press conference
The Russian ace also crashed out in singles with a three-set defeat to Zeynep Sonmez. While Williams has won 14 women’s doubles titles with Serena Williams, Alexandrova has never reached the fourth round. The Williams sisters lifted four doubles titles in Melbourne (2001, 2003, 2009, 2010).
Prior to the Australian Open, Williams signed up for two warm-up tournaments. Magda Linette knocked her out in three sets in the ASB Classic first round, while Tatjana Maria knocked her out in straight sets in the opening round of the Hobart International.
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